Scratch Disk is selected but status doesn't show active

[katheee062]

Hi everyone

- I have connected my scratch disk

- the disk can be detected

- and the disk is already shown and selected (box ticked) in Preferences 

But the status in Preferences doesn't show "active" and the scratch disk is full message keeps popping up...

I can't go on with my work now, can anyone help....

[katheee062]

it has already been formatted as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), are there any other problems I am unaware of? 

[katheee062]

FYI I have even consulted with Chat GPT, and have checked all the things the AI-bot suggested - everything confirmed done right. Can any photoshop experts please help?

Below is the suggestion from Chat GPT:

Here are some troubleshooting steps and possible solutions:

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1. Verify Drive Permissions

Photoshop needs proper read/write permissions to use the scratch disk. To check and adjust permissions:

• Open Finder and locate the drive.
• Right-click the drive and select Get Info.
• Scroll down to the Sharing & Permissions section.
• Ensure your user account has Read & Write access.
• If necessary, click the lock icon at the bottom, enter your password, and modify permissions.

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2. Check Disk Space

Even if the disk is detected, Photoshop needs free space to operate as a scratch disk.

• Check the free space available on the drive.
• Photoshop typically requires a substantial amount of free space (50-100 GB recommended, depending on the file size and operations).

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3. Format and Re-Partition Issues

Although you formatted the disk as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), double-check for potential partition errors:

• Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).
• Select your drive and ensure it’s formatted correctly.
• Use First Aid in Disk Utility to check for and fix any errors.

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4. Reset Photoshop Preferences

Corrupted preferences can sometimes cause issues with scratch disks. To reset Photoshop preferences:

1. Close Photoshop.
2. Hold down Command + Option + Shift (Mac) immediately after starting Photoshop.
3. Confirm the prompt to delete the settings file.

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5. Ensure External Disk Priority

• If you're using multiple drives, confirm that the external disk is at the top of the list in Photoshop's scratch disk preferences. You can reorder drives within the preferences window.

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6. Update Photoshop

Ensure you’re running the latest version of Photoshop. Sometimes, issues with scratch disk recognition are fixed in updates.

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7. Check macOS System Integrity

• If all else fails, check whether macOS is interfering with the drive’s usage. You may need to:
  • Disable FileVault encryption if enabled.
  • Check for macOS-level drive restrictions via System Preferences > Security & Privacy.

[Sameer K]

Hey, @Kathleen22779719wu5m. Welcome to the Photoshop Community. I'll need more info to help you figure this out. 

Please go to Photoshop > Settings > Scratch Disk, move the external drive to the top of the list of Scratch Disks and share a screenshot here. 

Also, ensure Photoshop has required permissions on the macOS: https://adobe.ly/48Z3OJS

Thanks! 

Sameer K

(Use '@mention' to tag me when you reply)

[jane-e]

@katheee062 

It almost looks like you gave the name "scratch disk" to a drive, but did not actually make it a scratch disk.

Follow these steps:

1. Choose Photoshop menu > Settings > Scratch Disks (Mac).

2. In the Preferences dialog, select or deselect the active check box to enable or disable a scratch disk. To change the scratch disk order, click the arrow buttons.

3. Click OK. To apply the changes, restart Photoshop.

   Details here: https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/using/scratch-disks-preferences.html

   Instead of seeing your disk utility window, please show us what you have in Preferences > Scratch Disk.

   

   Jane